Joan Lillian Manuel, 73, formerly of Knob Noster, Missouri, died Thursday, Dec. 14, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

A graveside service took place Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri, with Father Tom Hawkins officiating.

Joan was born on June 17, 1944, in Rutland, Vermont, the daughter of Walter James Eddy and Virginia Louise Bussino Eddy. She graduated from Rutland High School in 1962. She enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after two years of service.

She married Bruce Manuel on June 6, 1964, at Andrews AFB, Maryland. They were married 41 years until his passing in 2006.

She was a homemaker and was Catholic by faith. She was also employed by the Knob Noster School District for more than 10 years.

Survivors include a son, Mark Manuel, of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Roxanne Gamboa, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Marie Hutfles, of Odessa, Missouri; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, June Barnaby, of Manchester, New Hampshire; and Dale Hemple, of Rutland, Vermont; and a brother, Jim Eddy of Rutland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Manuel; her parents, Walter and Virginia Eddy; and her brother, David Eddy.

Contributions may be made to Air Force Enlisted Village Benevolence Fund (afev.convio.net) and may be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips and Holdren Funeral Home.